8th Maine News - 11/15/2006 - Portland Press Herald

Building Update
The Eighth Maine Regiment Memorial on Peaks Island was recently entered into the National Register of Historic Places.

The memorial building was built in 1891 by Civil War veterans of the 8th Maine Regiment. Located on the south side of Peaks Island, the building was constructed to host annual reunions. Now it functions as a memorial structure, museum and lodging facility.

Ron Adams, president of the board of directors, is a sixth-generation descendant of the regiment. His ancestor George Capers was a corporal in the company. On Thursday, Adams expressed relief after learning the memorial hall received the national distinction.

"It's a wonderful feeling to have that recognized. It's another step to generate more publicity about who we are and what we are doing on Peaks Island," Adams said.

Adams' attachment to the regiment dates back to his youth, when his father began taking him to the memorial hall. He said his family and other descendants gather there every summer.

"It's a wonderful spot to get together with people who have the same attachment," he said. "It's great to be able to show off your heritage with new folks and explain what our ancestors have done."

About 5 years ago, Adams began talking to the board of directors about placing the memorial building on the national register. The application process lasted about 2 years.

Their neighbor, Kim MacIsaac, director and curator of the Fifth Maine Regimental Museum on Peaks Island, helped Adams through the process. He said she evaluated his collection, offered suggestions for improvement, guided him through the grant application process and helped him deal with maintenance issues in his building.

"Kim is a great resource to have," Adams said. "She blazed the trail for the museum. The trick is to turn our place into a museum with a lodge, rather than a lodge with a museum."

Adams said their membership increased last year by 14 members, bringing their membership to about 100. The membership fee was recently raised from $5 to $10.

About 800 people visit the site each year. Of that, roughly 600 people stay in their lodging facility, which features 13 guest rooms, and a large dining room that seats 85 people. Adams said it's a throwback experience that brings many visitors back each year.

"I know how much it means to the people who come here to stay. To maintain that and keep it going is really important," Adams said.

News Assistant Melanie Creamer can be reached at 791-6361 or by email: mcreamer@pressherald.com

Calendar Updates

See the Home Page HIGHLIGHTS for our consolidated Peaks Island Calendar of events. If you are aware of additional events please email us so we can add them.
You can also see a very comprehensive listing of Portland Calendar events in the LINKS section including Sea Dogs game schedules.

Web Site Updates

LINKS
New MAINE CIVIL WAR Link!
FORT KNOX - PROSPECT, MAINE
The 20th Maine Re-enactors will be encamped 6/28 to 29. They will also engage in a battle reenactment against a confederate re-enactor group. Fort Knox was an assembly area for the Maine Volunteer Regiments.

CALENDAR OF PORTLAND AREA EVENTS
JOHN W. BROWN - LIBERTY SHIP
It will visit Portland at the Maine State Pier from August 16th until the 18th. There will be a cruise on the ship on the 18th from 10am until 4pm. The Liberty-Ship web site has a lot information on the history of these special ships many of which were built in Portland during WWII.

FIND YOUR VET !
Now you can use our LINKS to the National Parks Service web site to find your veteran on the official regimental rosters.

8th Maine Reading
Check out all the fine publications that touch on our veteran's roles and perspectives in shaping the important events of the Civil War.

There are lots of new links for interesting sites and information on the Civil War and Civil War re-enactors.

MAILING LIST
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